Broncos, With Many Options, Might Trade for Briggs

The FanHouse's Stephanie Stradley writes that the Broncos could be in the Patrick Willis business, but would probably only be able to draft the Mississippi linebacker if they traded up ahead of the 49ers (allegedly, San Francisco likes Willis too). Let's say draft day rolls around and Denver doesn't get the chance to nab Willis, then what?

Well, the Denver Post's Bill Williamson floats this idea:

There has been speculation the Broncos could make a run at trading for Chicago's Lance Briggs, a franchise-tagged linebacker who wants to be dealt. Washington, Buffalo, Tampa Bay and the Giants also may be interested.

The Broncos have a history of going after veteran players who are unhappy in their current situations. But a deal for Briggs could be difficult to pull off because the Bears likely would want more than the No. 21 pick in the draft and Briggs could seek a hefty contract extension.

Why yes, that is a bit of an obstacle, but this is the same outfit that moved up to take quarterback Jay Cutler with the 11th overall pick last year, and also traded for disgruntled Packers wideout Javon Walker. A more likely scenario might include trying to land Willis, or staying put and taking Michigan's David Harris. Of course, if Denver's feeling particularly frisky, they can just go buck wild (even though Detroit's apparently not interested ... we'll see about that).